The Railsplitter. The Newsletter of the Department of Illinois, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War WINTER 2019 UPCOMING ENCAMPMENTS:

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1 The Railsplitter The Newsletter of the Department of Illinois, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War WINTER 2019 OFFICERS: Commander Harry Reineke IV, PCC Chief of Staff Steve Westlake, PDC, PCC Senior Vice-Commander Joe Hutchinson, PCC Junior Vice-Commander Gary Gunderson, PCC Secretary Steve Aarli, PCC Treasurer Bill Johnson Council Tom Osteicher, PCC James Lyon, PDC, PCC Gene Walker Patriotic Instructor Michael J. Zafran Chaplain Jerome Kowalski Graves Registration Steve Aarli, PCC Civil War Memorials Steve Anderson Hitsorian Terry Dyer, PDC, PCC Guide Patrick McConnell Guard Rob Hauff Color Bearer Leigh Franklin GAR Highway Officer vacant ROTC Coordinator Bill Shipper Eagle Scout Coordinator Jim Lyon, PDC, PCC Department Councilor Ron Clark, PDC, PCC Department Organizer Nick Kaup, PDC, PCC Steve Westlake, PDC, PCC Signals Officer Paul Zeien, PDC, PCC Real Sons Liaison Joe Hutchinson, PCC Fraternal Relations Leigh Franklin UPCOMING ENCAMPMENTS: The schedule for future Encampments and their hosts are as follows: May 2019, Camp #67, Peoria Oct 2019, Camp #49, Sycamore May 2020, Camp #443, Belleville Oct 2020, Camp #1, No. Cook County COMMANDER S CORNER: My dear Brothers, As we wind down from the 12 Days of Christmas, I am reminded of the Epiphany story (with concurrent celebrations involving a sweet bread-like cake called King Cake in my hometown of New Orleans) where 3 men of a completely different background than the Jewish child they were visiting, trusted in their own wildly different beliefs to worship that Child. I am further reminded of the wildly different beliefs that are held today in our Union of States and even among Brothers in our dear Order and our beloved Department. Without getting political, I know that we each allow our own deeply held personal beliefs guide us in the decisions we make as men, husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, Sons, etc. I would be lying if I said I am not concerned with what s going on. I am. I have been the victim of attacks from the political extremes on social media. But I am pleased that all discussions I have with our Brothers are amiable, and conducted with a mind toward OUR deeply held mutual beliefs, that all people are deserving of our interactions being in the spirit of our founding principles: Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty. As we move past the season for installing officers, and toward Spring, we have several events to look toward. First and foremost is our Department Encampment in May, where I hope to stand for re-election as your Department Commander. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: National General Order 8: R.S. Upham Chaplain s Corner Patriotic Instruction Keyboard Klacking from the DSVC Camp News And MORE! Our reenacting Brothers are looking forward to gathering around the watch fires again, while those of us who like to spend time with dead veterans are itching to get back into the cemeteries to clean, replace, and mark the graves of our heroic and brave dead. We also approach Memorial Day (and Real Memorial Day), which we are obligated to keep sacred, in memory of the Boys who wore the Blue. We all have much on our plate, but I am proud to stand and speak in public about my Brothers in the Department of Illinois who do so much, giving of their own time, talents, and treasures to ensure that no veteran of our bloodiest war is ever forgotten. I dare say we make the gallant son of Illinois, General Logan, proud every year near the end of May. My Brothers, I am not lying or exaggerating when I say that you are the reason I am, and continue to be, here. You are the lifeblood of our Department, and if it wasn t for you, all of this would disappear and fade away. What a tragedy that would be! Please, my friends, keep up the great work you all do, and continue to bring honor to the Union and her soldiers. On Fame's eternal camping-ground / their silent tents are spread / and Glory guards with Solemn round / the bivouac of the Dead. God bless each of you, and our great land! In Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty, Harry W. Reineke IV, PCC Department Commander.

2 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 2 FROM THE OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT SECRETARY Greetings All, **************************************************** It has been business as usual so far, fielding questions, correspondence, keeping National happy and making the Dept. of Illinois look good. Truly a labor of love. I need to send each Camp a gentle reminder that as we are in the season for Camp elections and installations, IT IS IMPERITIVE that each Camp file the FORM 22 within 30 days of Camp Installations. This is mandated by National. Even if your Camp has not changed officers, you are still required to submit this form. I will need them by the end of February As I mentioned at our October 2018 Dept. Encampment, I tentatively plan to retire as your Dept. Secretary in May 2021, at which time I will have completed ten years as your Dept. Secretary. National constitution does provide that a Department can appoint an Assistant Dept. Secretary to work with the elected Dept. Secretary. At our May 2019 Dept. Encampment I plan to recommend that we appoint a willing Brother to this position with the hopes that he will take on my duties when I retire. The job is only as hard as you want to make it. In Fraternity, Charity & Loyalty, Steve Aarli, Secretary, DGRO

3 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 3 CHAPLAIN S CORNER: The end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 were not easy for me. Pains where I have never had pains before drove me to the Emergency Room of my local hospital. Severe pain in my left shoulder led to an examination of my heart. One of the vessels was 70% blocked, and a roto rooter had to be used before two stents could be inserted. My tummy rebelled at the half dozen medications that were given to me, and my whole tummy and excrement system are fouled up. I am in more pain and discomfort than before, but they did let me out for New Years. I got to go to the Chicago Light Artillery New Year s gathering, and visit My adopted grandson - Ezra. It s a lot easier to explain a flanking movement with blue and gray pieces. He is a virtuoso violinist, and will, some day, be a member of our Order. In Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty, Chaplain Jerry PATRIOTIC INSTRUCTION: Christmas on the Battlefield As the joys and celebrations of Christmas season comes to a close I thought that I would share some of the marking of the season that occurred during the Civil War. Although the official Federal holiday of Christmas wasn't declared until 1870 by then President Ulysses S. Grant in an attempt to unite the North and South, Christmas was observed in both camps. Soldiers not actively campaigning used salt pork and hardtack to decorate Christmas trees. Others enjoyed special meals of turkey, oysters, pies, and apples. However, many soldiers received no special treatment. In some units, celebrating Christmas was not allowed. On December 25, 1862, soldiers from one unit were punished for celebratory gunfire for the holiday, when actually the gunfire was for a funeral salute. In 1862, the Lincolns visited injured solders at various hospitals. In 1863, many Union soldiers received gifts of books and clothing "From Tad Lincoln" as he was moved by the plight when he was taken to visit the soldiers by his father. Military exercises took place on December 25. In 1861, a blockade runner was caught by the Union navy and there were two skirmishes in Virginia and Maryland. In 1862, Confederate general John hunt Morgan engaged in his famous Christmas Raid in Kentucky destroying 35 miles of track of the Louisville & National Railroad. In 1863, Union forces destroyed the Confederate salt works at Bear Inlet North Carolina. Several battles occurred between Confederate artillery and the Union Navy on the Stono River and near Charleston in South Carolina. In 1864, the Confederates fiercely repelled the Federal assault of sixty warships on Fort Fisher. Still with action taking place around the troops on both sides, Christmas carols were sung such as "Deck the Halls", "Oh Come All Ye Faithful", and "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing", all from the 1840 s, that are still sung today. American musical contributions to the season include "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" (1850), "Jingle Bells", (1857), "We Three Kings of Orient Are" (1857), and "Up on the Housetop" (1860). Although Christmas cards were popular in Europe, they were scarce in the United States, and would not be enjoyed until the 1870's. It is difficult for us to relate to the men and women of the Civil War era. In spite of the extraordinarily different circumstances in which they found themselves, we can connect with our forebears in traditions of Christmas. By the mid-19th century, most of today's familiar Christmas trappings were already in place: carols, gift giving, and tree decorations. Charles Dickens had published "A Christmas Carol" in 1843 and the Civil War saw the first introductions of the modern image of a jolly and portly Santa Claus through the drawings of Thomas Nast, a German speaking immigrant. One of Nast's Christmas cartoon for 1864 showed Lincoln inviting Confederate troops into a warm lodge hall full of merriment. Lincoln called Nast's use of Santa Claus, "the best recruiting sergeant the North ever had." From the diary of Alfred Bellard of the 5th New Jersey, "In order to make it look as much like Christmas as possible, a small tree was stuck up in front of our tent, decked off with hardtack and pork, in lieu of cakes and oranges, etc." ohn Haley, of the 17th Maine, wrote on Christmas Eve that, "It is rumored that there are sundry boxes and mysterious parcels over at Stoneman's Station directed to us. We retire to sleep with feelings akin to those of children expecting Santa Claus." I can only imagine the thoughts of our men and women in action for those horrible years during Christmas. Both sides fighting for their opinions yet untied in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Respectively Submitted, Michael Zafran, Patriotic Instructor, Department of Illinois

4 The Railsplitter KEYBOARD KLACKING From DSVC Joe Hutchinson A Portrait of a Real Son On December 30, 2018, Real Son Frederick Fritz Upham was called home to be with his ancestors and comrades in arms. In his honor I am repeating portions of an article I wrote for the Railsplitter last year about the remaining Real Sons: Tim Pletkovich, formerly of Bryner Camp 67 in Peoria, Illinois, during his time on the National Special Committee on Real Sons and Daughters about 15 years ago encountered first generation sons of Civil War veterans, Eugene Mallory, Garland Pool, John Pool, William Pool, Henry Shouse, Hiram Shouse, Frederick Upham, and John Whitman as well as several Real Daughters. He then proceeded to enlist the men into our camp. Br. Tim at the time was a middle school teacher for Peoria District 150 and had a brilliant idea to interest his class in history by having his students correspond with the Real Sons and Daughters to learn about their lives growing up with fathers who fought in the Civil War and each of the Real Son s experiences as veterans of World War Two. The class project lasted a couple of years and the correspondences eventually ended up becoming a book entitled Civil War Fathers that was published by Vandamere Press in For more detailed narratives please read Tim s book. The Upham Family William H. Upham Sr. enlisted as a private in Company F, 2nd WI Infantry on May 11, 1861 which became part of the Iron Brigade. During that first summer, he fought in the Battle of Bull Run where he was wounded in the chest and not expected to survive. He was listed in early reports as having died and a funeral service was held for him in his hometown of Racine, WI. It was later learned that he had been captured and interned at Libby Prison. He was exchanged and sent to Washington, D.C. where he met with Wisconsin Senator James Doolittle and President Lincoln. PVT Upham described the conditions of his captivity. President Lincoln appointed him to West Point May 5, He was commissioned a Second Lieuten- WINTER 2019 ant in 1866 and was then sent to Fort Monroe, VA. While there served as a guard over Confederate President Jefferson Davis. After the war, he returned to Wisconsin where he became a successful entrepreneur and statesman. He was elected Governor of Wisconsin in His first wife, Mary Kelly died in 1912 and he married Miss Grace Mason of Beaufort, NC in William Sr. was 73 and Grace was 30. He didn t have biological children from his first marriage. Two sons were born to this union, William Jr. in 1916 and Frederick Fritz in William Sr. was 75 when William Jr. was born. William Sr. lived until 1924 when he died at age 84. (Above: the Upham family ca. 1923) Both William Jr. and Fritz recalled Civil War stories from their father as well as the fact that their father was the youngest of eight children and that their father was only about eight when his father died. William Sr. learned the value of a good education, though he probably didn t complete school past eighth grade. When given the opportunity to be sent to West Point, he took it. Fritz related that his father William Sr. was an active Republican and Page 4 that the G.A.R. was instrumental in his election to Governor. Fritz said that since he was only 3 when his father died that he didn t have many recollections of him. He said that the death of his father hit his brother Bill quite hard as he had been best buddies with their father. Bill was sent South to live with his mother s relatives for two years after William Sr. died because his mother had remarried shortly after his death and Bill was having a difficult time adjusting to the new arrangement. Fritz stayed with his mother. Prior to WW II, Fritz recalled how active the WW I veterans were in his community, giving talks to schools about the horrors of war and the need to stay out of future wars. Both William Jr. and Fritz served in World War Two. Fritz enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and served as a flight instructor in He later served as a meteorologist for the Navy from in Oakland, CA and briefly served on the aircraft carrier, Saratoga in the Pacific. After the war he received a degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin and settled in Fort Collins, Colorado where he lived until his death, December 30, At the end of Fritz s narrative he said, War is an awful thing. But just think of the consequences would have been for us as a nation, as well as the rest of the world, had we, the Allies, not intervened. That is a though more horrifying and dreadful to consider than the most ghastly images that one might look at from the Second World War. Ours was an unavoidable sacrifice, an obligation to humanity. It came at a very high cost. Yet had the Axis powers not been stymied, the cost would have been greater.

5 The Railsplitter Phillip H. Sheridan Camp 2 WINTER 2019 Page 5 erans to attend the 75th reunion at Gettysburg in Scottish Rite s float for the event. (Photo courtesy of Ron Kirchgessner) From left to right participants included Jerry Kowalski, National and Department Sons of Union Veterans Chaplain; Larry Werline, Camp SVC and Treasurer; Joe Kessler, Camp JVC and Chaplain; Don Ferricks, Camp Commander; Chuck Murphy, Patriotic Instructor; Richard Schatchsiek, Member (and Colonel of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment Reactivated); Stan Buckles, Camp Historian, past Department of Illinois Commander, and flag bearer for the 114th; and Gene Hall, Camp Council. At the November 13 Camp meeting Clinton Burr Soper Jr. was initiated into membership. Br. Soper hails from Bloomington, IL. His ancestor was Great-great Grandfather, Hudson Burr, who served as Adjutant of the 94th IL INF. Hudson enlisted August 14, 1862 as ADJ and was promoted Captain. He served until resigning his commission September 3, Captain Burr was a member of W.T. Sherman Post 146 of the Grand Army located in Bloomington, IL, Capt Burr died Feb. 17, Photos from Glen Ellyn Historical Society's dedication of the Marcellus E. Jones First Shot Monument. On October 19, Attending from P. H. Sheridan Camp 2, Department of Illinois, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War were: PCC Gary Gunderson; PCC Bob Kurek; Camp, Department and National Chaplain Jerry Kowalski and Brothers Leigh Franklin, and Fred Miller. Photos by B. Kurek. John A. Logan Camp 26 At the end of John A. Logan Camp s November meeting, George Buss of Freeport, IL provided a very realistic and memorable portrayal of President Abraham Lincoln. The portrayal began with Lincoln as a lawyer, and highlighting the 1858 debates with Senator Stephen Douglas. George concluded with the Gettysburg Address. On the evening of Friday, November 23, the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau held the 26th annual Yule Like Peoria walkabout open house in Peoria s downtown. The Central Illinois Civil War Dance Society and Bryner Camp participated by having the G.A.R. Hall open and performed Civil War era dancing. John A. McClernand Camp 4 November 3, 2018 was a beautiful day as Camp 4 recognized the last Civil War Veteran buried in Menard County, Onen Jensen. He was a resident of Athens, IL and he passed on December 21, 1941, two weeks to the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He was one of 95 Illinois vet- The Camp also elected and installed officers for the coming 2019 term. By Steve Anderson, Memorials Officer. Col. John C. Bryner Camp 67 Br. Ron Kirchgessner and dog Yogi appeared with members of his medical corps at both the Peoria Veteran s Day Parade and Santa Claus Parade. He is a member of the Masons and repainted the

6 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 6 Col Friedrich Hecker Camp 443 Hecker Camp Installation Dinner 2019 officers Col. Friedrich K. Hecker Camp #443 SUVCW Department of Illinois left to right: Garry Ladd PCC Counselor, John Stanton JVC, Harry Reineke IV DCC of Illinois, David C. Wildermuth CC, Richard Piper Treasurer, Greg Zelinske PCC Counselor, Russell Schliecher SVC, Justin Ottolini Secretary, Robert Koerber Guide. Department of Illinois CC Harry Reineke IV swearing in 2019 Hecker Camp Commander David C. Wildermuth Member of the Year Richard Piper presented by Russell Schliecher SVC for Camp Commander John Fulton Guest Speaker Ed Bachesta President St. Clair County Genealogical Society Special Guest Lansing Hecker Great Grandson of Col. Friedrich Hecker Dr. Benj. Stephenson Rose Hill Cemetery, Petersberg, IL Old Glory Camp 6165 Union Ridge Cemetery: Old Glory Camp 6165 had their first project completed in time for Veterans Day weekend. It was 33 degrees but sunny on Saturday, November 10th. We honored all veterans and rededicated the General B.F. Butler Post #754, Grand Army of the Republic Cannon Memorial. I believe the old Boys In Blue are pleased with our work. This site had been a project of P.H. Sheridan Camp #2, Dept. of Illinois back in They had replaced a number of headstones. We have continued the project as the new Chicago-based Camp 6165 and adopted this site as our permanent project. More research and headstones will be ordered and landscaping for next spring. Our ceremony featured a JROTC unit from neighboring Taft High School, our SVR unit, Battery L, 1st Illinois Light Artillery, keynote speaker (and camp associate) author Robert I. Girardi, DC Harry Reineke IV, and National Chaplain Jerome Kowalski. We are very pleased to have hit the ground running and finished this phase of the project before the real snow flies. Our camp is eighteen months old and we are blessed to have some very devoted brothers in our ranks. Twelve meetings per year, four guest speakers, seven business meetings and one holiday party. We mix social, fellowship and business meetings together over the course of the calendar year in additional to department and national encampments Devotion to Duty Award John Stanton presented by Russell Schliecher SVC for Camp Commander John Fulton IN FRATERNITY, CHARITY AND LOYALTY Hecker Camp Paver. Some of the attendees as our colors are raised. (Continued on page 10)

7 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 7 Special Tour of the Old State Capitol at Springfield by General McClernand Camp 4 Above left is a picture of the Illinois State Capitol from the 2nd Street side and on the right, compliments of David Joens, Director of the Illinois State Archives, view of the floor plan for the Capitol building s 1st floor. For reference, in the floor plan from top (Stratton Building side) to bottom (2nd Street side) is west to east and from left (Edwards Street side) to right (Monroe Street side) is south to north. It wasn t until just lately that I discovered that Civil War art can be found in three different rooms in the Illinois State Capitol Building. On October 24, 2018 Mr. Joens led the roundtable on a tour of those three rooms and explained the history of Memorial Hall, aka the Hall of Flags, before it was moved from the Capitol Building to the Centennial Building in the summer of The Capitol has four wings, west, east, north, and south. One of the rooms housing Civil War art is on the 4th floor in the east wing, above the Governor s Office. The other two rooms are on the 1st floor in the south wing. These details are provided so that by referencing the overhead map on the cover page, you can visually fix the location of the three rooms. Civil War artwork is in Room 400, which was formerly part of one of the locations for the Hall of Flags; Room 100, which was another location for the Hall of Flags; and Room 116, which served as the Adjutant General s Office when the Hall of Flags was located across the hall in Room 100. It is easy to figure out that when designing the State Capitol Building planners allowed for ample wall space to display Illinois Civil War flags. Ceilings are high throughout the Capitol and the artwork in the rooms where the flags were formerly housed was painted on the upper section of the walls, near the ceiling, so that flags posted beneath them would not conceal the paintings. In two of the rooms, mezzanines have since been added so that today, the viewer is at eye level with the paintings. There is no mezzanine in the third room so onlookers have to look upward to view several artful dedications to major battlefields in which troops from Illinois were engaged. This would be an ideal room for a roundtable meeting and such an opportunity is being explored. Room Senate Hearing Room What is now a Senate Hearing Room, Room 400 originally didn t exist when the capitol opened and was actually the upper reaches of Room 300. There are Civil War paintings on the upper reaches of the walls that portray three different men from Illinois, all having made significant contributions in the Civil War. A mezzanine level was later added to this room to maximize use of space in the Capitol building and as a result, to our delight, these paintings are now at eye level. The painting of an unidentified Private (Left) on the back wall in Room 400 easily represents all 258,000 plus boys from Illinois that served in the Civil War under the leadership of the Commander in Chief, President Abraham Lincoln and the Commanding General of the Army, U. S. Grant. On one of the side walls in Room 400 is a painting of General U. S. Grant. On the other side wall is a painting of President Abraham Lincoln. Standing from left to right is David Joens, Greg Seifert, Chuck Murphy and, to his front, Rose Connolly, Larry Werline, and Nancy Chapin. On the right side of the painting is Carolyn Koehler, Tom Doyle, Teresa Parth, Don Parth, Linn Haramis and, in his front, Mary Disseler. (Continued on page 8)

8 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 8 (Continued from page 7) Room Office of the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) Room 116 is in the large area in the south wing on the east side of the hallway. There are two relief sculptures in the Legislative Reference Bureau. To see them one must proceed through the working offices of the bureau and climb up a narrow, winding staircase to the mezzanine level. As soon as you reach the top step one of the first things that you see on the far wall is a sculpture of Edward Baker. (Above) Forming 90 degree angles from a wall adjacent to and on the left of the Baker sculpture is a number of floor -to-ceiling bookshelves. Nestled in-between two of the bookshelves is a relief sculpture of a Civil War soldier standing next to a tent. Though currently not in such an open location, it was just as magnificent as the Baker relief sculpture. Photo left. Room House Meeting Room This room is located at the far end of the first floor s south wing, directly across the hall from Room 116, on the west side of the building. It seats 26 people and is just the right size for a well-attended roundtable meeting. We tentatively have it booked for our April 18 meeting when Lincoln Home National Historic Site Superintendent, Timothy S. Good, is scheduled to present. As compared to the other two rooms, no mezzanine had been added so one must look up to view the art in this room. It was none other than Larry Werline that brought to our attention the misspelling of Chickamauga. (Above right) The cavalry painting in the front of the room was my intent when I snapped this picture and though it is hard to make out, note the tribute to Gettysburg in the upper right hand corner facing the camera. (Above) The tour included more than the three rooms described above, but they were the focal point. Mr. David Joens deserves a ton of credit. In addition to serving as director of the Illinois State Archives, he is a first-rate historian and an excellent tour guide. You simply would not believe all that he explained as we made our way from room to room. Though individuals may have been aware, as a group we never realized how much State Capitol history we didn t know about including our association with the State of Iowa, building materials that aren t what they appear to be, revelations about the paintings that adorn the south wing hallway, and noting the arrangement of the magnificent statues that encircle the rotunda above the 4th floor, just to name a few. We certainly tip our hat to Director Joens. Happy New Year And last but not least, we want to wish you a Happy New Year. We have a lot to look forward to in We have presentations coming up by our very own Teresa Parth and the Tri-State s Roundtable Commander, Dr. Tim Jacobs. We ll be meeting in the State Capitol, hosting the first Thomas forum. We ll once again enjoy another Civil War summer speaker series at Camp BOTS, and we re starting the year off right Thursday evening with Gene s PowerPoint program of his great-great grandfather s travails. Until then, Chuck Murphy, Camp 4.

9 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 9 Rising in Flames: Sherman s March and the Fight for a New Nation; J. D. Dickey; Pegasus Publishers, Includes extensive reference to Galesburg native Mary Ann Bickerdyke and Illinois politician and soldier John Logan. Also often references battle actions involving various Illinois regiments. The author, I think, is one-dimensional in his views of the War and of our country of the 1800 s he probably would have been a Radical Republican abolitionist. He is inconsistent in his description of the behavior of Union forces as they moved through Georgia and South Carolina. For example, he repeatedly claims Sherman limited and disciplined his troops and only focused on targets of military value so what about the unrestrained burning and looting of private homes and barns? And what about the terrorizing of women of the South? Sherman s March; Burke Davis; Random House, A detailed study of Sherman s March through Georgia and South Carolina. Unlike Dickey s recent book, Davis (a native of North Carolina) presents a tale of terror and suffering, including the documentation of several rapes. Interestingly, the 103 rd Illinois Regiment from Fulton County is referenced several times and includes events involving Captain Charles Wills. The War Outside My Window: The Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, ; Janet E. Croon, Editor; Savas Beatle LLC, Publisher, An intriguing eye witness account of what life was like in and around Macon, GA, during the entire span of the War. LeRoy Gresham was a young man who suffered a devastating leg injury at the age of 12 and thereafter was essentially immobile. He also was frequently ill (diagnosed in retrospect as probably suffering from tuberculosis). But he, at his young age, was able to write, observe, and communicate and he did that daily. He died at the age of 17 in June, Some Books Recommended for Reading The Civil War: a Narrative; trilogy by Shelby Foote; Penguin Random House Publishers, with personal editorial comments included Submitted by Darrell Clevidence, SUVCW Bryner Camp #67 cleviden@comcast.net A classic study of the War, arguably with a southern slant. It took me several months to finish reading the three volumes. Very detailed, stresses personalities. During his writing, Foote says he travelled to each significant site during the same time of the year as the actual action. I would suggest that this is a must-read for any serious student of the Civil War Ten Minutes of Blind Confusion : The Battle of Aiken, South Carolina, Kilpatrick vs Wheeler: R. Wayne Jones with Thomas D. Perry; Laurel Hill Publishing LLC, As well as describing the actual battle in Aiken between cavalry forces on February 11, 1865,, Jones and Perry (members of SCV) offer a southern perspective of Sherman s advance into the Carolinas. The 92 nd Illinois Mounted Infantry was at the center of this battle. Includes a nice bibliography and discussion about post-war development in the Aiken area. I sense that there remains a deep anger towards Gen. Kilpatrick yet today and that is implied within his book. Among other atrocities, the burning of nearby Barnwell ( Burn -well according to Kilpatrick) is cited. The Reconstrucon Years: The Tragic Aermath of the War Between the States; Walter Coffey; AuthorHouse Publisher, 2014 Coffey, a nave of Illinois, is a member of SU- VCW. This excellent study references and documents year-by-year the polical and social turmoil that arose following the War and which sll affects and influences our country today. Fighng for the Confederacy, the Personal Recollecons of General Edward Porter Alexander; Gary W. Gallagher, editor; University of North Carolina Press, Alexander s recollecons preceded his Memoirs of a Confederate. Alexander, an engineer, is analycal in describing life in the Army of Northern Virginia, Longstreet s Corps in parcular. These recollecons center on his personal life and experiences while serving the CSA and were wri*en without the intent of circulaon within the general populaon. Alexander, I believe, was a highly competent officer and gentleman. I do sus pect that he, like many others, had witnessed and experienced such horrible blood shedding that he became somewhat desensized to death on the ba*lefield. Note: Gary W. Gallagher is recognized as one of America s leading historians. Rebel Yell: the Violence Passion and Redempon of Stonewall Jackson; S. C. Gwynne; Scribner Publishers, A comprehensive, friendly presentaon of Jackson s life and career. (Connued on page 10)

10 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 10 (Recommended Reading, Continued from Page 9) I had no idea that Gen. Jackson taught mathematics before the War (allegedly he was not very good at it) and I find that of personal interest. Nor did I know that General Jackson was a deeply religious man. Jackson s skilled maneuvers in the Shenandoah Valley are clearly described. Recommended reading. Light Horse Harry Lee and the Legacy of the American Revolution; Charles Royster; Alfred A. Knopf, Publisher, 1981 An excellent look at life in Virginia and the Colonies prior to and during the Revolution. Lee s role as a leader of cavalry, a highly trusted officer for George Washington, is a highlight. Lee s youngest child, Robert E., would not see his father after the age of 6 due to Harry s illness. An interesting look at military action during the Revolution and an exposure to the family legacy of a future military general. Killing Lincoln; Bill O Reilly and Martin Dugard; Henry Holt & Co., An excellent reference for studying the nature of the conspiracy that led to the death of President Lincoln. Well written, easy to read. An interesting feature is the follow-up on the lives of the major persons involved at the time. One uncomfortable part is the reference that O Reilly makes to the diary of John Wilkes Booth and the suggestion that maybe Secretary Stanton was involved in the disappearance of 18 pages from the book. Killing England; Bill O Reilly and Martin Dugard; Henry Holt & Co., A very readable study of life in the Colonies and the extent and nature of the Revolutionary War. O Reilly makes it clear that the involvement of France was critical to the American success. He also presents Gen. Washington as a truly remarkable leader. The portion of the war conducted in the South is well-presented. The content of O Reilly s book illuminates the extent of divisiveness between the Patriots and the Loyalists and how some view the conflict as really a Civil War. ********************************************************* (Camp 6165 connued from page 6) Also included from The Great Courses: The American Revolution by Professor Allen C. Guelzo The American Civil War by Professor Gary W. Gallagher Cannon Salute DC Harry Reineke IV addresses the a@endees with his remarks. (Below) Keynote Speaker and Camp 6165 Associate Robert I. Girardi. NJROTC Color Guard, Ta High School. Group photos of Camp 6165 Brothers. (Middle top) CC Nick Kaup presenng an appreciaon award to the Union Ridge Trustee David Totsch. In F., C., & L., Nick Kaup, CC, Camp 6165

11 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 11 Excerpted from the Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly Journal Vol. 50, No. 4: Civil War Veterans Buried in Calvary Cemetery, Aurora, Kane County, Illinois: An Update to the Illinois Honor Roll. By Roger L. Knigge This is another in a series of articles presented by Phillip H. Sheridan Camp #2 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW). These articles identify and document the service of Civil War veterans buried in Chicago area cemeteries. The present effort lists veterans interred in Calvary Cemetery (aka: Irish Catholic Cemetery), Aurora, Illinois and includes a summary of work completed on-site at that facility. The list of Civil War veterans was prepared using the 1929 Illinois Honor Roll and the updated 1956 version published by the Illinois Veterans Commission. Each veteran s name was compared with unit rosters or muster-and-descriptive rolls for various states as well as national records to verify service and rank. Pension index information was used to identify any instances of the individual serving in multiple units or under aliases. Any variances between more recent research and listing in the 1929 and 1956 Honor Rolls was noted and when available, birth and death dates and locations were included. A Sheridan Camp #2 walk-through at Calvary revealed that vandalism had resulted in many Civil War headstones being broken, toppled or scattered. Some gravesites were unmarked. To correct the latter, documentation was submitted to the US Department of Veterans Affairs and four new markers were procured. With the assistance of Darren McArdle of Aurora Boy Scout Troop #28, these new headstones were installed in the fall of On Memorial Day weekend 2018, a ceremony was held to dedicate the new headstones and commemorate the service of all Civil War Union veterans buried at Calvary Cemetery. A welcome address by Robert Rogers, Graves Registrar of Sheridan Camp 2 was followed by remarks by SUVCW Illinois Department Commander Harry Reineke IV and Sheridan Camp 2 Commander Steve Westlake. Jerome Kowalski, the National Chaplain of the SUVCW delivered an invocation and benediction. LaGrange Park Boy Scout Troop #111 (Scoutmaster John Wilcek) served as color guard and Mulligan s Battery fired a cannon salute. On August 25, 2018, representatives of Sheridan Camp 2 joined Scoutmaster Darren McArdle, Boy Scouts Dylan Schmidt of Aurora Troop #28 and volunteer Lisa Platt to address the condition of the existing headstones in the cemetery. It was determined that most would need cleaning and some would require resetting and straightening. This work was successfully completed during the day. Sheridan Camp 2 had previously engaged the services of a private restoration company to clean repair and reset a headstone that had been badly damaged. This was the 18 th Civil War headstone project completed by Sheridan Camp 2. These efforts have resulted in over 300 new markers being installed. For further information about these projects, contact Robert Rogers, robrogers@aol.com. Calvary Cemetery is located in Aurora, Illinois on the east side of North Lake Street (Rte. 31) just south of Indian Trail. The Catholic Church purchased it December 15, At the time title was transferred, it was farm land situated north of the city limits. The cemetery initially served several parishes. In 1872, its maintenance fell exclusively to the Irish American parish of St. Mary s. The last burial was in Access from Lake St. was cut off in 1951, resulting in the isolation of the cemetery that encouraged vandalism. The volunteer efforts and work done by Sheridan Camp 2 was an effort to correct some of the damage done to Civil War headstones. The Rockford Catholic Diocese has recently undertaken landscape improvements to enhance the overall appearance of the property. **************************************************************** Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Office of the Commander-in-Chief Mark R. Day 104 Mullbury Place Lynchburg, Virginia General Order # 36 SERIES August 2018 The Commander in Chief and Council of Administration, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, take great pleasure in presenting the Meritorious Service Award with Gold Star to Brother Robert Rogers, Department of Illinois for Meritorious Achievement and superior performance in the accomplishment of the ideals and principles of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. From his very first meeting, as a Son of Union Veterans of the Civil War member, Brother Rogers has dedicated himself to the task of replacing and cleaning the grave markers of Veterans in the cemeteries of DuPage County, Illinois where his home camp, the Phillip Sheridan Camp #1, is located. Over the last five years Brother Rogers has completed projects involving the cleaning of thousands of markers and the replacement of hundreds more. Brother Rogers has invested a significant amount of his life and energy to not only the work of cleaning and installing grave markers but also in doing most of the required research, pursuing and making contacts with the various cemeteries, and completing the paperwork with the Veterans Administration as well as local government agencies. Brother Rogers zeal and passion for his work with grave markers makes him stand out among his peers and he has become an example for others to emulate. Brother Rogers is not one dimensional in his work for the Order; he is also involved in other programs of the Sons of Union veterans of the Civil War. He actively advises young men interested in planning Eagle Scout projects which are related to the goals of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and he attends Boy Scout Courts of Honor regularly. The efforts of men like Brother Rogers, stand as examples of service and most surely reflect the principles of Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty we espouse to. Having brought great credit upon himself and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Brother Robert Rogers is highly deserving of this award. Ordered this 11th Day of August Mark R. Day

12 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 12 The History of the Greenhut Memorial G.A.R. Hall By Joseph M. Hutchinson, PCC Bryner Camp 67 In order to understand why the G.A.R. Hall was built we must know what the G.A.R. stands for and who the men were. Dr. B. F. Stephenson of Springfield, Ill organized the Order of the Grand Army of the Republic in the State of Illinois in The object of the organization was to assist disabled and unemployed soldiers. A ritual was drafted under his supervision, and the first post of the new order was formed at Decatur, Ill. Other posts were soon mustered throughout Illinois and other states. Bryner Post No. 67 was organized October 9, 1879 in honor of Colonel John C. Bryner who was instrumental in raising and training several regiments from Peoria and who died on March 19, 1865 at Camp Butler in Springfield while reorganizing the 47 th Illinois Volunteers who had been decimated in battle. The Post rented a hall for nearly thirty years in the third story of the Rouse building at 105 South Adams Street. For lack of income, the expense of maintaining this hall became burdensome. In addition to this, the Comrades becoming aged, prevented them attending the meetings of the Post. It became a question of some change having to be made. The matter of the Post securing quarters where they would be rent-free or owning their own rooms had been spoken of for a number of years, but no definite action had been taken. Comrade Byron C. Bryner, Commander of the Post in 1908 and son of Col. Bryner was very much interested in securing a home to be owned and controlled by the Post, submitted the following scheme: That it would be possible to raise among the Comrades and friends the sum of $ with which a building which would answer their needs. The matter was brought before the Post on the evening of November 19, 1908 striking a hearty response. The Post placed the matter of the building in the hands of the Post Trustees, Eliot Callender, A.L. Schimpff and Wm. P. Gauss, and on motion, the Post Commander B.C. Bryner, the Post Commander Elect Frank W. Ash and the Post Quartermaster Philip Smith and James M. Grimes were added. A general discussion was had regarding the building scheme, location, securing of funding, etc. It was decided that the solicitation of funds be for the present confined to old soldiers. The fundraising was later expanded to include the whole community and pledges were solicited. Among a number of subscriptions reported, was one from Comrade Joseph B. Greenhut, in the sum of $1000 accompanied by letter of heartfelt wishes for success of the enterprise. Joseph Benedict Greenhut was born in Austria and settled with his family at age nine in growing Chicago. When the War broke out, he was one of the first volunteers in the 12 th IL Volunteers. After being wounded, he was discharged to recuperate and after recovering, enlisted in the 82 nd IL Infantry. He saw action in many areas including Gettysburg. After the war, he settled in Peoria where he became prominent, owning the Monarch distillery. He always retained a fondness for Peoria even after moving to New York to enter retailing. He kept apprized of the fundraising for the Memorial Hall and continued to increase his pledge up to $10,000.00, a monumental sum. The Post elected to name the proposed building after their generous benefactor. A site was secured on Hamilton St. for $ It was the former site of the New Church of Jerusalem; also know as the Swedenborg Church. Architects submitted proposals and the firm of Hewitt and Emerson was chosen. Bids for construction were let, with Wm. Allen Son and Company having the winning bid of $14, The actual cost of the building, including lot, would grow to $22, The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1909 and construction progressed rapidly. The building was completed by late December and the dedication ceremony was slated for December 30, However, the fundraising campaign was $4000 short of the money needed. When J. B. Greenhut came to Peoria for the ceremony, he inquired as to the situation. After hearing of the shortfall, he pledged to cover the remaining $4000 stating, Don t worry about it. We will dedicate the hall without a dollar of debt. Send your bills to me. A couple of years later he created a $ trust fund to maintain the hall. The G.A.R. Hall was in use by the Comrades for only a short period when the hands of time started to overtake them. William M. Livingston, the last member of Bryner Post 67 and the last surviving Civil War veteran in Peoria County passed away on Memorial Day, May 30 th, 1945 at the age of 97. The auxiliary organizations would meet a similar fate. The Wilson Circle Ladies of the G.A.R., Bryner Women s Relief Corps, the Aunt Lizzie Aiken Tent of the Daughters of Union Veterans, and the William Thrush Camp 25 Sons of Veterans would continue to hold meetings at the hall until their numbers dwindled to the point that they could no longer raise funds sufficient to maintain the building. There was no money for needed repairs. Demolition orders loomed. In early 1972, concerned citizens quickly formed the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation, with the GAR Hall as their first project. Over 40 years of fundraising brought the hall back from the brink. However, money is needed to pay for work done in 2008 to construct modern restroom and kitchen facilities. An elevator for handicap accessibility was added in will mark the 110th anniversary of the Greenhut Memorial G.A.R. Hall and the 140th anniversary of the Colonel John C. Bryner Post 67, Grand Army of the Republic.

13 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page Annual Lincoln Tomb Ceremony All are invited to participate in the 63th Annual Lincoln Tomb Ceremony, sponsored by the SUVCW and MOLLUS, commemorating the 154nd Anniversary of President Lincoln s death. It will be held at the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL at 10 AM on Saturday, April 13, The Department of Illinois SUVCW Benjamin Stephenson Memorial at Rose Hill Cemetery in Petersburg will be at 3:30pm following the luncheon. Headquarters Hotel: President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 701 E. Adams St., Springfield,IL The room rate is $ for single - quad. A10% dining discount at Lindsay s Restaurant is included. Call for reservations and mention Sons of Union Veterans. Reserve your room by March 22, After this, the remaining blocked rooms will be released. Wreaths may be ordered from local Springfield florists. Instruct the florist to have the wreath delivered c/o the Lincoln Tomb, Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, by 9 AM on Saturday, April 13th. Luncheon will be held at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel at 12:30PM. The luncheon program will feature a talk by Mary Todd Lincoln on "My Side of the Story". Luncheon cost is $35.00 per person. For event info, go to the SUVCW web site (suvcw.org) or contact Robert Petrovic at: rpetro7776@aol.com or OBSERVANCE WREATH PRESENTATION (please print clearly) Organization name in full in full: Name & title of wreath bearer: address: if no , home address: City, State, & Zip code: To insure being recognized in the program, this notice MUST be received no later than April 1 st at the address shown below. OBSERVANCE LUNCHEON Please accept luncheon reservation(s). Please list name, address, home address & phone number of person responsible for picking up tickets at the door. PLEASE PRINT. Name: Address: Phone: City, State & Zip Code: Abe's Braised Short Ribs Roasted Turkey Vegetarian Include remittance of $35.00 per person for each lunch reservation payable to National Organization SUVCW. Reservations must be made by April 1st and cancellations by the same date in order to receive refund. There will be no extra tickets sold at the door. Make a copy of this form for your records and send original with remittance to: ROBERT M. PETROVIC 6519 CHEROKEE LANE CEDAR HILL, MO P# For Military Parade Information, please contact: Edward Krieser, Commander 4th Military Dist. SVR 597Round Mountain Rd. Walnut Shade, MO edjk@gmail.com

14 The Railsplitter WINTER 2019 Page 14 DEPARTMENT INSIGNIA ITEMS Brother Harry Reineke IV has Lapel Pins and Cufflinks with the Department Insignia available for purchase by the Brothers of the Department. Also available by special order are baseball caps and polo shirts by Gold Medal Ideas. Any profits will go to the Department. Shipping extra--call. Please order using the form below Lapel Pin Cuff Links Embroidery Sample for Shirts and Hats Department Lapel Pin x $ 7.50 = Department Cufflinks (pr.) (EXTREMELY LIMITED QUANTITIES) x $20.00 = Department Ball Cap x $16.00 = Department Polo Shirt (without name) x $22.00 = (with name) x $25.00 = SUB TOTAL Shipping (call) TOTAL Name for Polo Shirt: (Print Clearly) Please send form and a check made out to: Brother Harry W. Reineke IV 605 Main Street For information phone: (630) Batavia, IL ********************************************************************************************************** FACEBOOK PAGES: The following Camps have Facebook pages. Feel free to like and share these pages with your friends. SUVCW Camp #1, Dept of IL PH Sheridan Camp 2, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Dept of Illinois SUVCWJohn A. Logan Camp #26 Gen. E. F. Dutton Camp #49 Sons of Union Veterans Col. Friedrich K. Hecker Camp #443 (SUVCW) SUVCW Old Glory Camp 6165, Dept of IL DEPARTMENT FACEBOOK PAGE: Illinois Department Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War DEPARTMENT WEBSITE: NATIONAL WEBSITE: RAILSPLITTER DEADLINES: Fall: October 15 * Winter: January 15 Spring: April 15 * Summer: July 15 From the Editor: I encourage you to submit ANYTIME, but for time sensitive items like upcoming events, be sure to get them in early. New issues should come out about two weeks after the deadline. Send to bryner_camp67@yahoo.com. Text should be attached as MS-Word docs or contained in the body of the . Photos should be JPG attachments. Remember, this is YOUR newsletter.